BimmerJeeper

I tried to do my oil filter adapter today.
After about 1 hour of trying, I could not even get the L-wrench onto the T60 nut.
It wasn't a clearance issue, it just would not seat into the star.
Has anyone's ever rusted out enough to not allow a T60 to seat properly?
Or, do you think I have the wrong kind of T60? Is "star" different than "Torx"?
I used this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/110958008484?

Do people get this to fit from above or below?
There was no way I could get it to seat from above.
I did get it to seat once from below, but, from there, there was no way I could get any sort of twisting motion on it without it just falling out.

Forget getting a 3 foot breaker/cheater bar onto this to actually crack the red locktite. If you can only do this from below, this requires a lift.
Also, this seems to be a two man job, with one man holding the T60 wrench in place while the other uses the breaker bar.

Yet again, another DIY repair that takes 1 hour to get aborted before you can even complete step 1.
You gotta love this sh/t and laugh, or you'll kill yourself.
It seems like Jeep projects seem way more complex than BMW repairs.
Working on a BMW is like playing with Lego's compared to the crazy stuff you need to do with Jeeps.
I'm starting to realize people on the Jeep forums are highly expert mechanics, and a lot of this Jeep stuff is just not for beginners.

kansas-klx

Did it by myself in just a few minutes time once I had all the necessary stuff--For mine I had to buy a #60 torx bit and then drive the torx part out of its socket. After that I put a 1/2" box end wrench over the bit. It helps to put a wrap or two of masking tape around the bit so that it creates an interference fit to keep the bit in the wrench while positioning it in the bolt. For extra tender persuasion I used the handle off my big floor jack over the wrench to break the torque on the bolt. Be advised that the bolt is in there tight and it'll sound like you broke it when it comes loose but everything should be fine.

BimmerJeeper

Yea, I've read all that a dozen times unfortunately. My issue is not the clearance or the bit, I simply can not even get the T60 to SIT into the star recess. I can't get it on. It barely even goes in. I can't even get to the step where it's hard to turn b/c it's not even locking onto the bolt itself. If I tried to turn the L-wrench, it would just slip right out of the star hole in the bolt.

kansas-klx

I dunno. From what I see of the torx bit wrench photo you posted, the peaks in the wrench/bit seem kind of "harsh". Don't really know how to articulate that too well, though. Looks like its wider and sharper across the tops of the points than the torx bit I have. Maybe take it to other places that sell other #60 torx bits and compare?

FWIW, I don't have the same rust issue your pix show. Wish I could be of better help on this...

1991Jeep_Man

I always thought different year xj's had different adapter bolts? From a torx, hex, or something else..

cruiser54

Up through 92 had a 5/8" bolt. After that, the dreaded Torx.

ZINGGG

Glad to hear you were able to find that wrench. Sorry to hear about the dilemma though. I got at my OFA from below as well. I was lucky enough to not have any rust so the job was easy, especially with that wrench. As for your issue, I'm sure you tried to use something to get in there and clean out the grooves so it'll sit well? There is either so much rust caked on that it doesn't sit right or a PO tried to get at it and stripped it.

DirtRoadXJ

try getting a pick in there and scrape the points out. may just have a dirt/rust build up which isnt allowing the bit to seat fully.

dwwscran

i just attempted to do this repair today on my 96... my torx fits perfect. my problem is i broke the wrench... may just get a steel bar and weld the torx to it like a belt tensioner tool... or a cheep 12mm socket i can cut down and weld to the bar. we'll see

BimmerJeeper

Does it look like I have a Torx or Hex? I just came across this: The OFA on later model HO engines use either a 9/16 hex key or T60 Torx driver to remove.

BimmerJeeper

Jesus, if this is how hard it is stuck, I am just sending this to the mechanic.
It takes me 30 mins to unclip a plug or harness sometimes. Forget it.

DirtRoadXJ

looks like a T60. i have a 98 as well and mine was the T60.

ZINGGG

It is a T60 and I'd start with doing this before taking it to a mechanic. Sounds like there is just gunk/rust caked in there

stew

My 94 had hex style.Snap-on box wrench with floor jack handle did the trick.Was fricken tight!Heres the hex style.

OverlandZJ

I did similar. Picked up a T-60 that had the 3/8 drive attachment which i ground some off and welded to an old wrench. Works well..